Recently, I was running errands and flipped on talk radio.  The host was replaying recent comments by Rosie O'Donnell where she said that radical Islam was as dangerous, here in America, as is radical Christianity.  The host went on to ask the audience, "What is radical Christianity anyways?" 

"Wow," I thought. "I would love to tell him."  And here were the thoughts that flowed through my mind in quick succession:

First, my definition of radical Christianity is Jesus, hanging on a Cross.

In that I want to be like Him, I am a radical Christian; is that a threat greater to a fellow American than radical Islam?

O'Donnell's comments sparked immediate and strong applause, so there were those who agreed with her.  I think she speaks for a number of people.  She is very liberal politically, and (as I understood the talk show host to say) now publically claims to be gay as well.  As such, it is probably true that radical Christianity threatens her more than radical Islam (although that religion is no friend of gays either).  The witness of radical Christians may threaten her eternal soul, when all rise up in the judgment; this is something radical Islam can never do.

The thing that's interesting to me is that radical Christians (real ones) are not interested in forcing Old Testament practices on anyone.  Radical Christians are interested in becomming daily more conformed to that Savior, hanging on His cross.  We are working to serve, to bless, to extend mercy, to care for the elderly, to be good citizens, to love our husbands, and to raise little children to do all these things as well.  We are homeschooling, or working at jobs where we seek to extend the love and mission of Jesus Christ.  Radical Christians aren't perfect; just forgiven.

I hope I am a radical Christian; I work daily (and fail daily) at walking worthy of the gospel.  We radicals are a distinct minority: politically, the only ways we threaten those who oppose God are by refusing to agree that they are morally acceptable before a Holy God and voting for those who agree with us. 

Does O'Donnell know the tenets of Islam?  Radical Islam would force its precepts (which are far more stringent and anti-feminist) on the entire world by force.  This is explicit in the Koran. O'Donnell and friends are safe from Islam now because our President is working day and night to protect her, and because brave men and women are in harm's way so that she doesn't have to be. 

As I drove into my driveway, I concluded that, in a way, she's right.  In America, those who care about God's Word and attempt to live it out are her greatest threat--the aroma of death to those who are perishing.  I am sorry that she has chosen the lifestyle that she has.  It is pitable beyond words.  I am asking Father to show her her error and give her the gift of repentance.

I also thank Him that I am a radical Christian, called to be so by His choice and His amazing grace.  What a glorious calling we have!